Volunteers are an essential part of ChicagoCAC’s work!
What can a ChicagoCAC volunteer do? Opportunities range from doing upkeep on our Hope and Healing Garden, supporting our clients by offering assistance during our Back to School and Holiday Drives, and helping our child life team play with children who visit the center.
Please note: Due to the confidential nature of our services, volunteer opportunities that offer direct interaction with clients are very limited. Volunteers who interact with families at the center must pass a DCFS and criminal background check. They must also be COVID vaccinated.
Year-Round Volunteer Possibilities
Child Life
Child Life volunteers spend time with children during their or their family’s appointments at the center. Activities include playing games with children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, and may include bringing children to and from a therapy dog session, as well as toy cleaning/other tasks. Applicants must be 21+ and must have experience, formal or informal, working with children and families. Background check required. Volunteers must commit to at least six months of service. Bilingual Spanish preferred but not required.
Opening on Tuesdays from 5 – 8pm. Email volunteer@chicagocac.org if interested.
Garden Days
In the center of our building we have our Hope and Healing Garden, a therapeutic outdoor space where kids can explore, play, learn, and express themselves…and we need help! We’re seeking volunteers who would be willing to routinely maintain our garden space.
Expectations:
- Volunteers would be expected to volunteer 4-8 times a year on either Saturday or Sunday for a 2-4 hour shift
- Volunteers would need to be able to help weed multiple areas of different heights
- Volunteers would need to be able to help plant and maintain flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables
- Volunteers would need to be able to clean, sweep, and maintain the garden space
- Volunteers would receive guidance from ChicagoCAC staff but would have independence in prioritization of tasks and garden needs
- Garden experience is preferred but not necessary
Currently seeking garden volunteers! See requirements above. Email volunteer@chicagocac.org if interested.
Community Advisory Council
An excellent opportunity to be an ambassador for ChicagoCAC and its work with children and families, particularly work around prevention education and policy, the Community Advisory Council meets every other month to discuss how they can help ChicagoCAC share our very important work with their communities.
Seasonal Volunteer Possibilities
Kids’ Holiday Event | December
Volunteers host toy drives, collect and donate thousands of toys for our Kids’ Holiday Event. They also help sort through and package our donations at the center and get them ready to be distributed to families.
Back to School Backpack Drive | Summer
In the summer, generous individuals and organizations collect and donate school supplies and backpacks to ChicagoCAC. We distribute the fully stuffed backpacks to children and families served at the center so they are prepared for the school year ahead.